The Myanmar military says it has captured one of the most notorious scam compounds on the border with Thailand, as it reclaims key territory it lost in the ongoing civil war.
KK Park, south of the border town of Myawaddy, has been synonymous with online fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking for the past five years.
Thousands of people were lured to the compound with the promise of well-paid jobs, only to be forced to run elaborate scams, stealing billions of dollars from victims worldwide.
The military, long tainted by its links to the scam business, now says it has taken the complex as it expands control around Myawaddy, the main trade link to Thailand.
In recent weeks, the military, or junta, has pushed back insurgents in several areas of Myanmar, aiming to maximize the number of places where it can hold a planned election starting this December.
Despite these advances, the military still does not control large swathes of the country, which has been devastated by conflict since the military coup in February 2021. The election has been dismissed as a sham by opposition forces who have vowed to block it in areas they hold.
KK Park began with a lease agreement in early 2020 to build an industrial park, tied to a little-known Hong Kong company, Huanya International. Links to a prominent Chinese underworld figure, Wan Kuok Koi, have been identified, indicating deeper ties to organized crime.
The compound has expanded rapidly and is easily visible from the Thai side of the border.
Those who escaped from KK Park describe a brutal regime imposed on the thousands held there, forced to work long hours, often facing torture and beatings for failing to meet targets.
A statement by the junta’s information ministry declared the area “cleared,” releasing over 2,000 workers and confiscating 30 Starlink satellite terminals used for online activities.
The junta blamed the “terrorist” Karen National Union and other defense forces for occupying the area illegally.
Despite claims of shutting down KK Park, many other scam compounds remain operational, continuing to exploit workers and run scams involving tens of thousands of individuals.
Support from local militia groups has been crucial for the military's push against insurgents, leading to control over key supply routes.
Although the raid is a significant move, it appears only part of KK Park remains under military control, as persistent reports indicate scam operations continue within.
Analysts suggest that the Myanmar military’s actions may also be influenced by pressures from Beijing, which has been urging the junta to crack down on illegal activities associated with Chinese syndicates.
